When renewable energy began to gain popularity, critics doubted whether solar, wind, and hydropower could even begin to cover the world’s energy needs. Now, we are seeing renewables hit their stride as they beat coal as the United States’ leading source of power for a record-breaking 40 days in a row.
The record was reported by the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The previous record for days where renewables lead US energy production was nine days in April of 2019. Experts believe the impressive dominance of renewables is due to lower power demand from COVID-19 shutdowns. Low gas prices, warm weather, and increased renewable capacity added to the power grid are also factors which boosted green energy performance.
The IEEFA had predicted that renewables would surpass coal in terms of energy generation in 2021. These impressive reports from the first quarter of 2020 show we are achieving this huge milestone earlier than expected. In 2019, renewables surpassed coal for a total of 38 days, so this early 2020 streak shows green energy is booming this year. The trend is visible internationally; The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported last week that only renewable energy sources had grown in 2020 so far and all major fossil fuels were on the decline.
Earlier this week, we discussed how solar is taking over the energy grid during the pandemic, and Austria and Sweden both closed their last coal plants. This 40-day record shows how renewables are not only growing, but outpacing their dirty rivals. Let’s hope that the streak continues even as we reopen the economy and see energy demands increase again.
